Reform UK’s Rochdale by-election candidate revealed he has been forced to go to the police after receiving a death threat.
Simon Danczuk received a message from someone saying they would “put one in his head” on Facebook Messenger this afternoon.
The ex-Labour MP for Rochdale, who has reported the threat to Greater Manchester Police, said he was “very shaken” and warned of the “chilling effect” on democracy.
He told the Express: “It causes me anxiety and distress, I worry for my family and for my wife.
“It’s been quite an enjoyable by-election campaign up to now. People have been generally cheerful, sometimes there are some robust exchanges, but it’s been generally enjoyable.
“But this has caused some anxiety really. It’s a chilling effect on democracy isn’t it, it discourages you from engaging with the public.”
The video sent to Mr Danczuk shows someone holding one of his campaign leaflets which reads: “Vote for Rochdale, not Gaza.”
They say: “Have you seen this m************ s**t, this bald white devil b******.
“If you guys ever see this bald m*********** I’m going to f****** put one in his head.”
It comes after chaotic scenes last week when Mr Danczuk was refused entry to a hustings event.
Meanwhile, Labour was forced to cut ties with its candidate Azhar Ali in an antisemitism row.
Political firebrand George Galloway is the favourite to win the by-election this Thursday.
The former Labour MP, who is standing for the Workers Party of Britain, has put the Gaza conflict at the heart of his campaign.
Greater Manchester Police were contacted for comment.
